Asthma

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on occupational asthma.

Chris Grayling: The information requested is as follows:
	(a) The Department for Work and Pensions has not commissioned any research on occupational asthma.
	(b) Evaluation of the evidence base on occupational asthma is regularly carried out by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC). MAC is a scientific advisory body whose statutory duty is confined to giving independent advice to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), on the Industrial Injuries scheme. It reported on respiratory health including asthma in fire fighters in 2010. It recommended occupational asthma due to exposure to latex in health care workers be added to the list of prescribed diseases in 2003. The last full review of prescribed disease D7 (occupational asthma) was carried out in 1990; several sensitising substances were added to the list of prescribed diseases along with a new 'open' category for any other sensitising agent. The evidence is detailed and reviewed in MAC'S reports: 'Occupational Health in Fire fighters', 'Conditions due to Biological Agents' Cm 5997 and 'Occupational Asthma' Cm 1244. IIAC regularly monitors emerging research.